This survey was conducted just prior to Secretary of State
George Shultz's meeting with Soviet Foreign Minister Andrei Gromyko
in Geneva to discuss arms control. Respondents were asked if they
approved of Ronald Reagan's handling of foreign affairs and relations
with the Soviet Union in particular, if they felt the United States
or the Soviet Union was ahead in military power, and if the United
States should strive for military superiority. They also were asked
whether they approved of the United States' entering into a new round
of arms control talks, how they would rate the chances of success of
the talks, and whether they felt the Soviet Union would cheat on an
agreement if one were reached. In addition, respondents were queried
for their opinions on the new defensive weapons that use lasers to
shoot down enemy missiles and the impact of this technology on the
arms race.